"Gould's Bach is, of course, justly famous. His English Suites are fine examples of the penetrating vision and digital dexterity he brought to Bach's music."—Washington Post

"She put a CD in the car player. 'Bach's first French Suite, do you know it?' … Later I would own every loopy Glenn Gould recording available, but there in the car with Sarah was the first time I'd ever heard him play. The piece was like an elegant interrogation made of tangled yarn, a query from a well-dressed man in a casket, not yet dead. It proceeded slowly, like a careful equation, and then not: if x = y, if major = minor, if death equals part of life and life part of death, then what is the sum of the infinite notes of this one phrase? It asked, answered, reasked, its moody asking a refinement of reluctance or dislike. I had never heard a melody quite like it."—from A Gate at the Stairs, by Lorrie Moore

The playing of Canadian virtuoso Glenn Gould provokes myriad reactions, from disquiet to awe. Seldom is there indifference. He is celebrated for his revelatory Bach interpretations, yet he cherished the music of the Renaissance, was stupendous in recordings of Beethoven concertos, and championed music of the 20th century. These well-annotated new editions combine his recorded legacy in exciting ways and add to the luster of a reputation that continues to shine, many years after his death.